Dedicated help and support for Notts young carers

Lucy Grosvenor

Three support officers dedicated to giving help and advice to young carers across Nottinghamshire have been recruited by the County Council.

The new posts will cost the Council £109,204 a year and their role will focus on assessing young people who care for a parent or sibling with a disability or illness to see if more support is needed for them and the person they look after.

In Bassetlaw there are 38 young carers who have received £23,073.25 in the form of support since April 2014.

In Nottinghamshire 326 young carers aged between five to 18 years of age who have benefitted from help and support since April 2014.

Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, the County Council’s deputy leader and chair of its health and wellbeing Board, said: “Young carers become vulnerable when the level of care giving and responsibility is excessive so it’s vital that the Council puts in place the right support to ensure they can enjoy their childhood.

“Effectively assessing a young carer’s needs can take a lot of time so I’m delighted we have in place officers who are focussed on this important work.”

Direct Payments can be used in a variety of ways including computer equipment for educational purposes, internet access, driving or music lessons, or activities such as ballet, horse riding or visits to the cinema.

The support officers can also put in place a care package for the person being cared for so that the young carer is not carrying out care that is inappropriate for their age.